Secondly, I have an
increased awareness of Alzheimerís disease and how it
truly affects families. I have now seen the full
spectrum of my motherís dementia from the early stages
of confusion and unexplainable behaviors to her need for
24-hour supervision and daily assistance with her
personal care. I marvel at how my father was able to
remain fully committed to caregiving through these very
difficult years and I have an even greater empathy for
the caregivers I serve.

This experience has
drawn me closer to my parents, especially my father, and
has strengthened our family bonds as we have tried to
pull together to provide the best of care. It hasnít
been easy and we have had to resolve some past family
conflicts that surfaced during this time. Fortunately,
we have been able to focus on honesty and the importance
of making decisions that will benefit the whole family.

Lastly, I appreciate the delicate nature of life and
have realized that I cannot take life for granted. I
have a greater understanding of the larger picture of
caregiving, the impact on family relationships and the
patience and diligence it requires. I am also struck
with the importance and value of asking for help and
realize that our situation could have been dealt with
more directly if my father would only have asked sooner.
I feel a sense of relief that the pieces are falling
into place and that we now have a plan, yet, I am
saddened at the fact that my parents will no longer live
independently. I have had to get beyond my own denial
and face reality as I ponder my parentsí increased needs
as well as the end of their lives. I am once again a
long distance caregiver for my parents and will continue
offering support and monitoring their ever-changing
needs along with those of my patients and their
caregivers.ď